matplotlib requires system python 2.6 to install
(when trying to install from dpkg)

and several other problems.

HERE IS HOW I GOT IT TO WORK1. Install freetype2
– get freetype from http://gnu.mirrors.pair.com/savannah/savannah/freetype/freetype-2.4.4.tar.gz , which is the most current as of 12-2010
– a standard install:
./configure
make
sudo make install2. Install libpng
– get libpng from http://ethan.tira-thompson.com/Mac_OS_X_Ports.html
– a standard install:
./configure
make
sudo make install3. Install matplotlib from source
– get matplotlib version > 0.9. version 0.9 is totally out of date and should not be used
– do not use “pip install matplotlib”. matplotlib developers have not properly updated their link with pypi, and “pip install matplotlib” will install the OLD and USELESS version of matplotlib.
– Instead, get the source from: http://superb-sea2.dl.sourceforge.net/project/matplotlib/matplotlib/matplotlib-1.0/matplotlib-1.0.0.tar.gz
– python setup.py build
At this point, it MUST recognize your freetype2 with the correct version:
REQUIRED DEPENDENCIES
numpy: 1.2.1
freetype2: 12.2.6

If it continues without a real version number beside freetype2, it WILL FAIL. I don’t know why the installer continues, as it certainly should not. If a matplotlib developer reads this, please correct!
– If this step finishes without errors, you’re golden
– python setup.py install

and you’re golden!

I have burned 3 hours on this sh** when I should have been writing my thesis. Hope this helps others out there.